Arkansas HAZUS User Group (ARHUG)

Explore ARHUG

External Links

Contact ARHUG

Michael E. Garner, PhD
EMHS Graduate Program Director
Department of Emergency Management
Arkansas Tech University
402 West O Street
Dean Hall 110
Russellville, AR 72801
p: 479.356-2159
f: 479.356.2091
e: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

What We Do

The purpose of the Arkansas HAZUS User Group (ARHUG) is to facilitate the use of the HAZUS-MH models for flooding and earthquake risk assessment in Arkansas and to form the basis for both pre- and post-disaster decision-making. ARHUG should create a framework through which professionals, volunteer organizations and individuals can collaborate to more effectively conduct risk management. This group has support from FEMA Headquarters, FEMA Region VI, Arkansas State and local governments, academia, non-profits, and the public sector.

HAZUS-MH uses GIS technology to combine hazard layers with building inventory and demographic databases and applies a standardized loss estimation and risk assessment methodology. This software currently addresses the risk associated with three natural hazards; flooding, earthquakes and hurricanes. Key goals of this group are to expand the application of and to improve and refine the capability of HAZUS to support the threats specific to Arkansas.

To fulfill these goals ARHUG will:

Assist government agencies, regional organizations, counties, communities, and businesses in Arkansas using HAZUS-MH

Ensure continued technical and planning support

Provide opportunities for training and education

Serve as a focal point for collecting “best practices”, and

Provide feedback to FEMA in the areas of software enhancements and user support.

By bringing together technical, policy, and emergency management specialists, the ARHUG will establish a solid risk assessment resource base for Arkansas.

News from Region VI

Hurricane Ida Survivors: Take Precautions Ahead of Tropical Storm Nicholas
Hurricane Ida Survivors: Take Precautions Ahead of Tropical Storm Nicholas

BATON ROUGE, La. – FEMA wants to remind Louisiana residents and survivors of Hurricane Ida to take precautions ahead of Tropical Storm Nicholas.

According to the National Weather Service, the storm may bring heavy rains and flash flooding, in addition to strong wind gusts and storm surge. Keep in mind that storm track, size, intensity and direction can change. Areas far from the storm’s center can experience effects such as flooding, intense rainfall and heavy winds.

Stay alert to weather warnings, monitor your local news for updates and listen to your local officials. Please be safe and watch for emergency alerts and real-time safety notifications on evacuations.

Visit getagameplan.org, Ready.gov or Listo.gov to learn how you can keep yourself, your family and your pets safe. Download the free FEMA app (available in English and Spanish) to receive emergency alerts and real-time safety notifications, emergency preparedness tips and disaster resources. The app is available for Apple and Android devices.

For the latest information visit fema.gov/disaster/4611. Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6 or on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6.

mayshaunt.garyMon, 09/13/2021 - 20:29
Spend Your FEMA Grant Wisely and Only on Disaster-Related Expenses
Spend Your FEMA Grant Wisely and Only on Disaster-Related Expenses

BATON ROUGE, La. – AsLouisiana homeowners and renters affected by Hurricane Ida begin receiving their FEMA disaster funds, it is important to use the money for specified disaster-related expenses.

FEMA helps survivors keep their spending on track by sending a determination letter stating what the funds are for and listing the ways the money can be used. Disaster grants are not for regular living expenses.

Some examples of approved expenses include:

  • Home repairs (e.g., structure, water, septic and sewage systems)
  • Rental assistance for rent and/or deposit
  • Repair or replacement of an essential vehicle
  • Medical or dental care for an uninsured injury caused by the disaster
  • Necessary educational materials (e.g., computers, schoolbooks, supplies)
  • Moving and storage expenses related to the disaster
  • Replacement of essential personal property such as appliances or bed from an occupied bedroom
  • Increased childcare expenses

It’s important to read the determination letter carefully. Receipts for all expenses should be kept for at least three years, as disaster funding may be subject to audit. If you have spent the payment on anything other than its intended purpose, you may be denied disaster assistance in the future. In some cases, FEMA will ask that the money be returned.

In addition, it’s important for applicants to make sure that FEMA has their most up-to-date contact information, including addresses, phone numbers and bank accounts. If FEMA does not have the correct contact information, survivors may miss letters or phone calls about their application for assistance or payment status.

For any questions, call the FEMA Helpline, 800-621-3362. TTY users can call 800-462-7585. Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel should update FEMA with their specific number assigned to that service.

For the latest information visit fema.gov/disaster/4611. Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6 or on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/.

mayshaunt.garyMon, 09/13/2021 - 13:55
Debris Pick-Up a Priority as Louisianans Recover from Hurricane Ida
Debris Pick-Up a Priority as Louisianans Recover from Hurricane Ida

BATON ROUGE, La. – As Louisiana survivors start to clean up after Hurricane Ida, FEMA urges you to know the best approach for removing debris from your property. You shouldn’t wait to clean up storm damage. Instead, start the clean-up process as soon as possible and document the damage with photos or videos.

Take care when cleaning up. Dangling power lines, flooding, reptiles, spiders and other hazards remain. Treat every wire as a live wire; do not touch loose or dangling wires or wires on the ground. Do not drive over wires. Instead, reach out to your utility company to make them aware of the issue. Do not pile debris on or near utility boxes or thruways. If trees and other debris have fallen on your private property, be sure to check with your insurance agent to determine if tree damage is covered by your policy.

As you clean up, be sure to keep in mind the following information:

  • Due to the magnitude of the damage from Ida, you can move debris from your private property to public rights-of-way for pick up and removal by local governments for a limited time. Debris removal from private property is generally the responsibility of the property owner, just as before the hurricane.
  • Follow guidance from your local officials when placing debris for collection. Separate debris into six categories when disposing along the curb:
    • Electronics, such as televisions, computers or phones.
    • Large appliances, such as refrigerators, washers, dryers, stoves or dishwashers. Be sure to seal or secure the doors so that they are not accessible.
    • Hazardous waste, such as oil, batteries, pesticides, paint or cleaning supplies. If you suspect that materials contain lead-based paint, keep them moist or place the materials in plastic bags so that the paint does not become airborne.
    • Vegetative debris, such as tree branches, leaves or plants.
    • Construction debris, such as drywall, lumber, carpet or furniture; and
    • Household garbage, discarded food, paper or packaging.
  • Place debris away from trees, poles or structures including fire hydrants and meters.
  • Remove all water-damaged materials from your home and place curbside for pickup.
  • Debris should not block the roadway.

Hurricane Ida left behind fallen trees, limbs and material from damaged buildings on private and public property. Workers are picking up debris deposited on streets, highways and curbsides.

The parishes eligible for debris removal include Ascension, Assumption, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberia, Iberville, Jefferson, Lafourche, Livingstone, Orleans, Plaquemines, Point Coupee, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Martin, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne, Washington, West Baton Rouge and West Feliciana.

For the latest information visit fema.gov/disaster/4611. Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6 or on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6.

mayshaunt.garySun, 09/12/2021 - 19:29

Last updated: March 19, 2024 - 6:15 AM

HUG Announcements

Center for Preparedness and Recovery
Contact Information:
Dr. Rick Ihde
Office: Dean Hall, Room 110
Phone: 479- 498-6016
Fax: 479-356-2091
Email: ridhe@atu.edu
University Clearinghouse Member
The Arkansas HUG and Arkansas Tech University are proud to participate in the formation of the HAZUS University Clearinghouse.

View all announcements

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